This website offers a framework to assess child development in the context of child care and is expected to empower families and professionals as they prepare child care environment regarding out-of-home care for children. Initially devised in Japan, this framework can be effectively applied in other settings, with appropriate accommodation to any local cultural norms. It is only through the understanding and incorporation of cultural norms and values that any general framework for empowerment will be effective. Equally important are the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs with the hope that we can create environments that ensure children's health and quality of life, regardless of where on earth we live.

Tokie Anme, PhD. University of Tsukuba